Soil Association Says Benefits Are Worth Pounds 1.6bn

ACCORDING to the Soil Association, sales of organic food increased by 30% to pounds 1.6bn in the UK last year.

The association’s website states that organic food does not contain many of the additives that are allowed in non-organic food and has been shown to have higher levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as being better for wildlife, causing less pollution from sprays and producing less carbon dioxide and less dangerous waste.

Around 350 pesticides are allowed in conventional farming, and an estimated 4.5 billion litres of chemicals are used on British farms each year.

Soil Association campaigns director Robin Maynard said: “It has been shown over the years that there is a difference between food produced organically and that produced using industrial methods. “It is not just a lifestyle choice in terms of the environment – organic is better for that.

“Mr Miliband’s own government has recognised in the past that organic food can be better for that.

“In fact, organic farmers get an extra payment due to this.

“I think he is talking about the health differences, which is crucial for many people making their choice.”

Mr Maynard said research had shown that there were higher levels of Vitamin C in organic produce, and recent research into organic milk had proved that it contained higher levels of Omega 3.

(c) 2007 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.